Chart: A closer look at the three pitchers the Twins acquired Thursday

December 6, 2012 - 9:31 PM

VANCE WORLEY (BELOW)

Age: 25  Throws: Right  Ht./ Wt.: 6-2/230 pounds

Drafted: Third round of 2008 draft by Phillies

Scouting report: Dare we say pitch to contact? He has solid stuff, but not overpowering. Fastball tops out in low 90s, and his slider and changeup are average. Relies on control.

Why he'll help: His major league credentials are better than any starter on staff, with career record of 18-13, 3.50 ERA. He was 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA in 2011, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year Award voting.

The question mark: He had elbow problems last year, and underwent surgery to remove bone chips after being shut down in August. He slumped to 6-9, 4.20 ERA a year ago.

TREVOR MAY

Age: 23  Throws: Right  Ht./Wt.: 6-5/215 pounds

Drafted: Fourth round of 2008 draft by Phillies

Scouting report: Has the power stuff to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, with a fastball that hits 94-95 mph and a better-than-average curveball.

Why he'll help: Don't get your hopes up for next season, because he needs to refine his control. But he should crack the rotation in a year or two, based on this stat: 647 career minor league strikeouts in 5251/3 innings.

The question mark: He led the AA Eastern League in walks (78) and home runs allowed (22) last season. He has to throw strikes more consistently -- before you'll see him at Target Field.

RYAN PRESSLY

Age: 23  Throws: Right  Ht./Wt.: 6-3/175

Drafted: 11th round of the 2007 draft by Red Sox

Scouting report: He was throwing only 91-92 mph as a starter, but his velocity improved into the 94 range after midseason switch to the bullpen in 2012. Best pitches are cut fastball and curve.

Why he'll help: Will get opportunity, since Twins need to keep the Rule 5 draftee on roster or risk losing him back to Boston. Was moved to bullpen last year after moving to Class AA and had career-best 2.93 ERA.

The question mark: His career minor league record is 25-31 with a 4.27 ERA, which raises plenty of questions. But in this year's Arizona Fall League, he struck out 18 in 14 innings of relief.